3 Aurelia aurita

Description

A transparent, gelatinous jellyfish that may show faint stripes. Along the edge of the bell (umbrella), it has hundreds of fine filaments used to capture food and move it toward the mouth, located in the center of the four oral arms on the ventral side. The horseshoe-shaped structures symmetrically arranged in the center of the bell are gastrovascular cavities that contain the gonads. These sacs turn orange after feeding.
It swims through regular contractions of its body. It is often found in small groups and drifts with ocean currents due to its limited swimming strength.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Cnidaria
• Class: Scyphozoa
• Order: Semaeostomeae
• Family: Ulmaridae
• Genus: Aurelia
• Species: Aurelia aurita
• Common names: Common jellyfish, moon jellyfish, saucer jellyfish, umbrella jellyfish

Distribution: Commonly found in all the world’s seas, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. They are most often found in low-salinity areas.

Maximum size: 30 cm, though average size is around 6 cm

Lifespan: 1 year in the wild, but up to 3 years in aquariums

Needs light: No, it is not photosynthetic

Feeding: Carnivorous; feeds on plankton in nature. In aquariums: Artemia salina nauplii, coral food preparations, special jellyfish food. NEVER feed red plankton (Calanus species). Also suitable: frozen food such as artemia, cyclops, copepods.

Stinging: Harmless to humans

Care level: Easy. Feed twice a day. Requires gentle water flow—can be damaged quickly if current is too strong. If kept in warm environments, a chiller is recommended.
This species is the most popular due to its ease of care and because it is widely featured in public aquariums. Its smooth, flowing movements offer a soothing, calming effect.